Coast Guard rescue swimmers help 66 people stranded on ice floe in Lake Michigan
Updated Feb 05, 2021;
Posted Feb 05, 2021
The U.S. Coast Guard worked along side other agencies to rescue 66 people stranded on ice floes in a bay in northeastern Wisconsin on Thursday, Feb. 4. (Courtesy U.S. Coast Guard)
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STURGEON BAY, WI Members of the U.S. Coast Guard and several other agencies saved 66 people who were stranded on ice floes on Lake Michigan Thursday. The people were trapped after three separate floes broke away from the shore when cracks formed in the ice between the fishermen and the shore.
Ice boats and helicopters were called in for the rescue Thursday in Door County
Fishermen became trapped when ice broke free and drifted into Lake Michigan
The Coast Guard and multiple agencies rescued a total of 66 people
Ice fishing is a time-honored winter sport in the Great Lakes region
But officials warn to be mindful of dangers and equipped for an emergency
The Associated Press Created: February 05, 2021 02:35 PM
The U.S. Coast Guard and several other agencies rescued 66 people stranded on ice floes in Sturgeon Bay in northeastern Wisconsin.
Ice boats and helicopters were used to bring the people who were ice fishing to safety Thursday in Door County. Three separate ice floes broke away after cracks developed between the shore and groups of people, the Coast Guard said.
High winds associated with an approaching winter storm pushed the floes further from shore. No one was injured.
Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City
Coast Guard Ice Rescue teams from Sturgeon Bay, Coast Guard Cutter Mobile Bay, two helicopters from Traverse City, Michigan, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and local government agencies assisted in the rescue, which took four hours to complete.